Factory Girl - Ralph McTell

Hurrying across the bridge before the siren’s call

This morning she’s racing her shadow, along the factory wall

Then through the gate, where she will wait in line

To cross the yard, to clock her card in time

And under her scarf, her hair set in curls

The day begins for the factory girl

For a while the girls try to talk, but their voices soon drowned in the din

And their eyes watch their hands do the work, and a new day’s rhythm begins

No change today, like yesterday, the same

But it’s dinner soon, then afternoon, then home

And hurrying home in the fading light

The factory girl is going out tonight

Her momma says: «Don't be late, you’ve got to get up again before eight»

«Oh yes», she sighs, but there’s joy in her eyes

As she runs down the path through the gate

And out on the rainy streets hoping that her night will last

No whispering palms on the beach, for her

Just the swish of the cars going past

But she believes no one could feel the same

Touching and whispering in the rain

But the rain takes away her beautiful curls

The night is soon gone for the factory girl

And hurrying across that bridge before the siren’s call

This morning she’s skipping the puddles, all along the factory wall

A starling sings, and shakes his wings, she smiles

Then at the gate, she hesitates, for a while

Then from inside the gates, the sirens roar

And across the yard runs the factory girl